As the newest staff member of the Iowa Pork Industry Center, Stacie Matchan says becoming an Iowa State University Extension program specialist earlier this summer was both a great fit and exciting next step.

“For almost seven years prior to starting this position, I was research manager for the applied swine nutrition program with Dr. John Patience,” she notes. “I have a pretty extensive background in research, planning and administration at Iowa State, which set me up to be successful in this position.”

With Patience’s upcoming retirement, Matchan was looking for a new opportunity that would build on her existing relationships in the swine industry, allow her to continue working with research and maintain a direct connection to her alma mater. She received a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2012.

Helps coordinate IPIC programs

In this role, she will be responsible for coordinating conferences and webinars, handling center finances, and helping develop a new research program. She views her experience, including working for Annette O’Connor at Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine in ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, as valuable preparation.

“It was important to me to find a position that would be stimulating and challenging, and also enjoyable,” Stacie Matchan says. “When I read this job description, it felt like I found the perfect natural fit.”

Matchan has been involved with the Iowa Swine Day program throughout her time with John Patience, with registration and related conference-day activities. Now, however, coordination of the event largely will be her responsibility.

“Getting to think of ideas on how to make this an even better and more desirable conference, is something that excites me,” she says. “I don’t yet know what those ideas will be, and surely COVID-19 will have something to say about them, but the idea that I have input on something already so successful excites me.”

Focused on assisting producers

If you are involved in the swine industry and don’t already know her, be prepared to meet Matchan soon. “We already have an amazing team doing outstanding things, and I only hope that I can make it a fraction better,” she says. “It is my hope that through our outreach via conferences, research and education material, we are able to assist producers with real-time issues.”

IPIC Director Jason Ross says Matchan’s years of experience in project management and applied research are a great benefit in helping deliver on the research and outreach objectives of the center.

“She did a tremendous job taking over the responsibilities of Iowa Swine Day this summer in what turned out to be a unique year given that we had to deliver the program virtually,” he says. “Stacie also has a strong familiarity with many of the university’s financial processes and that knowledge helps our group to function efficiently and effectively.”

Matchan can be contacted at [email protected] or 402-812-1103.

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